Insurance regulators and consumer advocates are in denial regarding the problems caused by regulations and subsidies in the Texas homeowners’ and windstorm insurance markets. This presentation given at the Heritage Foundation examines the problems and how to remedy them.
Property Rights
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...
August 27, 2026